8 reasons why there could be blood in your poo

Noticing blood in your poo can be a very stressful experience. This will happen to about 10% of adults every year, but the causes can vary. Most of the time, it will present as small amounts of bright red blood, meaning it's come from lower down the digestive tract, near the anus. You should always go to the doctor to investigate blood in your stool, but if it appears sticky and black, or plum-coloured, you should seek immediate medical attention. So what could be causing these unpleasant toilet troubles?

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

1. Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids, also commonly referred to as piles, is a very common condition that can cause pain, discomfort and/or itching from your rectum. They often go away by themselves after a few days, but there are also creams available to ease the discomfort and speed up recovery. According to Dr Tony Tham, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Deputy Chair of the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) Clinical Services and Standards Committee, haemorrhoids are "swollen veins in the rectum that can cause itching and pain. In some cases you can see or feel haemorrhoids around the outside of the rectum."

MOST POPULAR

Haemorrhoid irritation is one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding and over half of us will experience this at some point, so there's really nothing to be embarrassed about. Even if you suspect the bleeding is from piles, it's still worth visiting your GP as they can perform an examination to determine the exact cause.

2. Anal fissure

Anyone who's experienced an anal fissure will appreciate how painful they can be. Often caused by constipation and straining, anal fissures tend to be easily diagnosed as they're normally visible during an examination. 1 in 10 people will experience an anal fissure in their lifetime, but some are more prone to tearing than others due to having unusually tight anal sphincter muscles. Dr Tham says:

"An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anus, the opening where your bowel movements come out. There is a muscle that wraps around the anus and holds it shut called the anal sphincter. The sphincter gets tense when the anus is injured from an anal fissure."

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Anal fissures often clear up by themselves, but a high fibre diet and avoiding dehydration will help it heal quicker and ease the discomfort it's causing. Over the counter painkillers can also help manage the pain while it heals.

3. Diverticulitis

"Diverticulosis describes the presence of diverticula which is a pouch like structure that can form through points of weakness in the muscle wall of the colon, at points where the blood vessels pass through the wall. Bleeding from a diverticulum can occur when a small blood vessel located within the diverticulum is eroded and bleeds into the colon," explains Dr Tham.

Diverticulitis , the name given to the inflammation of these pouches, can cause severe, intermittent pain, as well as changes to bowel habits and even a fever. Although usually painless, you may experience what seems like a lot of blood in your stool which can be shocking.

Diverticula pouches are permanent but a high fibre diet and staying well hydrated are the best ways to manage the symptoms.

4. Peptic ulcer

It's a myth that ulcers are caused by stress. In fact up to 90% of cases are caused by a bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori), and the rest are normally from medications like steroids or NSAIs. Stress can of course exaggerate symptoms though, especially if it causes you to change your diet and lifestyle (e.g. drinking more caffeine and alcohol, smoking more).

"A peptic ulcer is a sore that can form on the lining of the stomach or duodenum which the first part of the small intestine. Bleeding from ulcers can produce black, tarry motions because the stomach acid turns blood black."

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

One of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of a peptic ulcer is to quit smoking. Smoking is of course linked to a number of health problems, and may affect how your body manages gastric acid levels. Click here for information about quitting smoking.

5. Gastroenteritis

20% of the UK population will experience gastroenteritis every year, often presenting with classic 'tummy bug' symptoms. You may find your stools become very runny, and contain mucus and traces of blood. "Gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines and can result from a virus, bacteria or food poisoning. The main symptom is diarrhoea and can also include vomiting, tummy pain, diarrhoea, dehydration and blood in motions. Other symptoms can include a high temperature, headache and aching limbs."

If find yourself going to the toilet frequently, sometimes the skin around the anus can tear slightly from frequent wiping. This means the blood isn't actually in your stool, or coming from within your digestive tract but merely an unpleasant side effect of your symptoms.

6. IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not the same as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and is also far less common. About 300,000 people are thought to have either Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, the two main forms of IBD.

"Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition where part of the intestine is inflamed. There are two main types of IBD: ulcerative colitis which affects the large bowel and Crohn's disease which can affect any part of the intestine including the large bowel. Both usually result in diarrhoea, pain, tiredness, weight loss. Blood in the motion usually occurs when the large bowel is affected."

7. Colorectal cancer

Cancer is often what first pops into people's heads when it comes to symptoms like blood in the stool, but the chances of this being the cause is actually very slim. Colorectal cancer, also referred to as bowel cancer, is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and over 90% of cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 50 .

"Colorectal cancer is cancer that affects the large intestine or the rectum. Colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms at first. When it does cause symptoms, they can include tummy pain, change in bowel movements e.g. diarrhoea or constipation, blood in the motions, tiredness."

Assuming cancer will cause unnecessary anxiety and stress, so try not to jump to any conclusions before consulting your doctor.

8. Radiation damage

The side effects of radiotherapy often present within a few days and can persist for up to two weeks after the end of treatment.

"The medical term for this condition is radiation proctopathy or proctitis. It is damage to the rectum as a result of radiotherapy used to treat cancer of the womb, ovaries, prostate or rectum. Symptoms include bright red blood in the motions and/or an urgency to go to the toilet."

The side effects are unlikely to last long term, but they will all be discussed with you before treatment begins. For more information about what radiotherapy is and how to prepare for it, visit the Macmillan website .

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.